Piute Pass North 3.0
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A challenging Jeep trail through remote country south of HIte. The trail climbs up onto Wingate Mesa from Highway 95 then drops down the other side to a major intersection. At this intersection you can take the north leg or south leg to reach a graded road in Red Canyon. This version of the trail takes the north leg.
Most people appear to go over the pass to the intersection then return to Highway 95. Neither leg that continues to Red Canyon shows much evidence of traffic. Very remote and sparsely traveled. Do not go alone. We ran the Pass from east to west so will describe in that direction. It can be driven either way. There is a GPS/gpx file at the bottom of the page. |
View west from Piute Pass
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There is one sharp switchback on the east side. This side has a few obstacles but nothing serious.
Switchback on east side of pass
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Near top of east side
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Nice views from the pass. The west side is more difficult than the east.
East view from Piute Pass
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Starting down west side
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There are several narrow and off camber spots where you have to be careful, while parts of the trail are benign.
Off camber around turn in distance
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Must have been fun moving these rocks
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This "Guzzler" collects rainwater, stores it under cover and puts it in a drinking tub for bighorn sheep and other wildlife.
Rain falls on the surfaces and is collected in the circular tank.
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Water enters the tank through
holes in the cover.
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The north leg beyond the intersection is not a pleasant ride. We did not take many photos because we were concentrating on moving along to get it done. The trail has zillions of dangerous tippy washes across the road along with another zillion rocks on the road. It follows narrow winding rock shelves for mile after mile. Scenery never changes. We strongly suggest you take the southern leg.
Rugged topography beyond the intersection.
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Hill beyond intersection
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There is a bit of color on the run, same as there is on most trails in this area.
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Highway 95 to intersection (one way) takes 1.5 hours without stopping. From the intersection to Red Canyon is 2.5-3 hours of constant aggressive driving.
Updated 2017.
Updated 2017.
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